New York – New York state is urging people cleaning up after Superstorm Sandy to make sure they’re up to date on their tetanus shots.
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Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an order Saturday that lets pharmacists administer the vaccinations at their workplaces. That’s among other efforts to make it easier to get the shots.
Tetanus bacteria can enter the body through cuts, cause painful muscle contractions and impair breathing. Infections are rare in the U.S. because of widespread immunization.
Since people can get lacerations while dealing with dirty debris or repairing homes, the governor says anyone working on storm repair and cleanup projects should to check to make he or she has been immunized for tetanus within the last 10 years.
If not, it’s time for a booster.